I just wanted to add that I've been banded since 2004 and have not had a single complication. I've never regretted my choice, but I also never got to my goal weight. I lost around 75 pounds and have (for the most part) kept it off. We went through a massive, life-changing flood in September and I gave myself license to eat and drink whatever I wanted as a way of comfort and I gained 20 pounds. I'm eating Paleo now, which, in combo with my good old lap band is working great. If I were to redo it all, I would consider a sleeve, but at the time that really wasn't an option.